Ben Dineen, the Jersey City philanthropist and United Way executive who friends described as a “magical person,” died yesterday morning, 13 months after he was diagnosed with cancer.

A lifelong Hudson County resident, Dineen spent his final years in Secaucus with his partner, Dennis Hull. The two were honored by Hudson County Community College last year when they donated hundreds of pieces of art from their personal collection to the college.

Glen Gabert, the college’s president and Dineen’s close friend, called the donation “pretty remarkable.” An art gallery on the top floor of the university’s new library, now under construction in Journal Square, will be named after the pair.

Gabert saw Dineen about two weeks ago, and when asked if he was gloomy about his illness, Gabert said, “No!

“Astonishing. He actually planned his own repast, which is going to be at the college,” he said. “I think he even selected the menu, which is perfect Ben Dineen.”

“Just the sweetest, sweetest man in the world,” Ambis said through tears.

Dineen was most recently director of resource development and marketing for the United Way of Hudson County, where he was a fundraiser and grant writer. Howard Parish, the United Way’s chairman, said he spoke to Dineen frequently during this last winter.

“He had his chin up all the time,” Parish said. “I’m sure he knew what was happening, but he never let on. He was upbeat the entire time.”

Prior to joining the United Way, Dineen was interim CEO of St. Dominic Academy in Jersey City, and he has served on the boards of numerous local nonprofits and community groups, including the Jersey City Museum and the Hudson County Community College Foundation.